IRELAND – the land of literary greats, horse racing, good old fashioned Irish luck and the verdant plains of County Kildare - blooms in summer.
It is also the setting for Ireland’s only luxury outlet shopping destination, Kildare Village, one of the nine Chic Outlet Shopping Villages in Europe. The summer season at Kildare started in June with the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh Racecourse.
Kildare Village, one hour from Dublin, offers over 55 boutiques from leading names in fashion which offer their previous seasons’ collections with up to 60 per cent off the recommended retail prices.
Kildare Village specialises in niche European designers such as Cath Kidston and Anya Hindmarch as well as international luxury brands.
To reach the shopping destination there is a new daily direct coach service from Dublin to the Village, operating until August 31. Irish Rail provides a regular 25-minute service from Dublin’s Heuston Station to Kildare town station, from where visitors can then take the complimentary shuttle bus to the village.
Accommodation options around Kildare include the four-star Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge, a family-run hotel offering facilities such as a restaurant, bar, health and fitness suite plus stunning gardens.
Carlton Abbey in Athy is another four-star hotel which has recently been tastefully restored to retain all of its striking features, while Clanard Court Hotel, situated one mile out of the heritage town of Athy and only 40 miles from Dublin, is a charming hotel surrounded by eight acres of well maintained grounds and colourful gardens.
The Moyvalley Hotel is a four-star boutique hotel located within the Moyvalley Estate. Golfing enthusiasts will enjoy the new championship course designed by Irish Ryder Cup star, Darren Clarke.